you won't find a better all around gun than an 870 i have owned a lot of shotguns in my
life but have never owned one as solid as the 870 i don't think you can wear them out it is just a great gun but i am a bit biased. You didn't say what type of bird hunting you would be doing.

yet another vote for 870. except I'm gonna suggest you get the supermag so if you decide you can go up to 3 1/2" later. it will cover you for anything from small upland birds and clay targets all the way to big Canadians

If you want a fun cheap but still quality shotgun then purchase a H&R 12 gauge Single Shot Break Open Shotgun. Just dont shoot 00 buckshot with it unless you have a limbsaver on it. I been shooting them since I was 7 years old. It costs around 150 bucks plus tax when I bought mine. If you want a pump shotgun then yeah go with a Remington but Id check out the Benelli pump shotguns as well